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Sixty adult Barki ewes (2.0-3.0 years old and 38.89 ± 1.02 kg average body weight) were used to investigate the effect of feeding Nigella sativa meal as an alternative source of protein on the reproductive and productive performance of Barki ewes. Animals were randomly assigned into equal three groups (20 each). The first group (G1) served as control and fed the basal diet contain 20% cotton seed meal and 6% soya bean meal as a source of ration protein, while the second group (G2) fed diet contained 13.5% of Nigella sativa meal (NSM) and 8% soya bean meal as a source of ration protein. The Third group (G3) fed diet contained 25% of NSM as a source of ration protein. All groups were offered berssem (Trifolium alexandrnum) hay ad libitum, and rations were adjusted monthly to cover their requirements during their different physiological status.Reproductive traits in terms of conception and lambing rates, abortion and stillbirth rates, number of lambs born alive and weaned and mortality rate from birth to weaning were measured during this study. Birth and weaning weights as well as body weight changes of ewes recorded during different physiological stages. Milk yield and composition were also determined. Results indicated that conception and lambing rates were insignificantly higher in G1 and G2 compared with G3. While number of lambs born alive was higher in G2 and G3 than control group (19 and 18 Vs. 17 lambs for G2, G3 and G1 respectively). Birth and weaning weights were significantly higher in G3 then G2 compared with control group. G3 recorded higher milk production during lactation period (627.29 ml/h/d) then G2 (601.33 ml/h/d) while control group recorded the lowest value (587.33 ml/h/d).Progesterone profile in the three experimental groups was found to follow the normal pattern reported in the literature. Progesterone levels insignificantly increased in control group than other two groups during pregnancy, especially during late pregnancy and decreased to the basal values after parturition. In conclusion, we can use NSM as an alternative source of ration protein to improve reproduction and production efficiency of Barki ewes under arid conditions of North Western Coast of Egypt. |
